Potpourri Exposure in Cats

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Potpourri Exposure in Cats

 

By: PetPlace Veterinarians

 

http://www.petplace.com/cats/potpourri-exposure-in-cats/page1.aspx?r=1804

 

Keep potpourri liquid concentrate containers out of reach of pets. Keep

potpourri liquid concentrate containers out of reach of pets.

The best way to prevent exposure to potpourri is to keep the simmer pots

in an area that is not accessible to your pets. The best way to prevent

exposure to potpourri is to keep the simmer pots in an area that is not

accessible to your pets.

 

Dangers of Potpourri

 

Liquid potpourri is a popular household item. Typically, a few

tablespoons of potpourri concentrate are added to water and allowed to

heat slowly in potpourri simmer pots until warm, soothing and pleasant

fragrances begin to permeate the house. Unfortunately, liquid potpourri

can be toxic to pets, as it contains essential oils and cationic

detergents, which are both toxic. Cats and curious puppies are most

commonly exposed. Cats can rub against leaky potpourri bottles, paw at

the substances in the simmer pots or spill the contents on themselves.

Whe the liquid gets on the fur, cats can ingest potpourri while grooming.

 

Both essential oils and cationic detergents can irritate the gums and

intestinal tract. Skin exposure can result in pain, redness, swelling

and ulcers. Some pets can develop vomiting, breathing problems, low

blood pressure or profound weakness.

 

What to Watch For

 

# Burns on the skin or mouth

# Not eating

# Drooling

# Vomiting

# Breathing difficulty

# Weakness

 

Diagnosis

 

Diagnosis is based on exposure to potpourri. Frequently, the fragrance

associated with the potpourri can be detected on the affected pet. Blood

tests may be run to make sure the remainder of the body’s organs are

functioning normally. A thorough oral exam may reveal ulcers.

 

Treatment

 

Treatment for potpourri exposure is based on the severity of the signs.

Pets with skin exposure need to be bathed in lukewarm water to remove

any remaining potpourri. Since the potpourri is usually warm or hot,

skin burns are possible. Other treatment may include:

 

# Pain medication such as butorphanol or morphine

 

# Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling, most commonly

prednisone or dexamethasone

 

# Antibiotics to treat severe skin wounds with potential to become

infected

 

# Pet with eye exposure will need the eyes thoroughly irrigated. The

surface of the eyes may be stained with fluorescein to reveal corneal

ulcers or burns. If ulcers or burns are present, treatment with eye

ointments with antibiotics are necessary.

 

# Pets ingesting potpourri can develop severe burns in the mouth,

throat or esophagus. Inducing vomiting and stomach lavage (washing) are

not recommended because this can cause further burning. Charcoal is also

not recommended since it is ineffective in binding the potpourri.

Initial treatment is offering 1 ml per pound of body weight of milk or

water to dilute the potpourri. For a 10-pound cat, that is 2 teaspoons

of milk or water. In cases with severe mouth and throat burns,

hospitalization with intravenous fluids may be necessary. Feeding tubes

for those pets that will not eat may be required until the burns have

healed and the pet begins to eat on his own.

 

Home Care and Prevention

 

After initial exposure, immediately bathing in lukewarm water and

flushing eyes can help reduce further injury. Offering a small amount of

milk or water can help reduce additional oral injury to those pets that

have ingested potpourri. After initial home care, examination by a

veterinarian is strongly recommended.

 

The best way to prevent exposure to potpourri is to keep the simmer pots

in an area that is not accessible to your pets. Don’t forget that cats

can easily jump onto high places. Keep potpourri liquid concentrate

containers out of reach. With a little care and foresight, tragedies can

be avoided.

 

Legal Disclaimer

 

If your pet is showing any signs of distress or you suspect your pet is

seriously ill, CONTACT YOUR VETERINARIAN immediately.

 

All of the information presented on this website was developed by

Intelligent Content Corporation staff members and is the sole

responsibility of Intelligent Content Corporation.